MANCHESTER UNITED’S academy stars and their parents are delighted by the replacement of Ruben Amorim with Michael Carrick, The Sun can reveal.
At United’s Carrington academy base, Amorim’s departure has gone down well with young starlets and their families, who were upset by Amorim’s criticism of the youth set up.
In December the Portuguese boss hit out at United’s wannabes including striker Chido Obi and Harry Amass saying “there is a feeling of entitlement that we have in our club”.
Amorim also had England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in his sights after the academy graduate requested a loan move away from Old Trafford due to lack of game time.
He added: “I think it’s something in our club, and we talk about the players sometimes forget about what it means to play for Manchester United.
“We as a club sometimes forget who we are and that’s that’s the feeling that I have.
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“I understand everything is the environment, is the moment of the players, the kids they feel entitled.”
But the move to appoint Carrick – whose son plays for the U16s – has been warmly welcomed.
The source said: “Carrick has been a regular at the training ground following the progress of his son.
“He is a lovely welcoming guy who always has time for everyone.
“People respect him and admire him because of his United career.
“But they also feel like he gets what it means to have a son in the academy.
“Parents were appalled by Amorim’s comments.
“Anyone in professional football should know how hard it is to make a career in football at any level, let alone at United.”
On Tuesday Carrick and his coaching team watched United U21s play against Sporting Lisbon.
Darren Fletcher, who managed United for two games following Amorim’s sacking, is also well regarded by academy parents.
The source said: “He is respected and well regarded by the kids and the parents.
“It’s great for a parent to hear Darren Fletcher shouting the name of their son during a game because you know he knows his talents and areas of weakness.”
The source added that United’s academy – which counts the likes of JJ Gabriel and Kai Rooney among its ranks – had been left reeling by not only Amorim’s comments but Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claims the academy has “really slipped” in recent years.
They said: “The idea that the academy isn’t great is bonkers. United have the pulling power and the money to go out and get any boy they want – and they do.
“The feeling of the place has changed though. It’s less personal and feels more clinical.”
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